Overview
- Al‑Hilal have opened discussions to end Karim Benzema’s deal so they can free a foreign‑player slot and recruit a younger centre‑forward.
- Benzema is reported to want the full remaining year of his salary as part of a mutual termination, creating a financial impasse with the club.
- Multiple reports say parts of Benzema’s wages are subsidised by Saudi Pro League‑linked or state bodies, which means the league and political authorities must sign off on any exit.
- Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins has reportedly agreed personal terms to join Al‑Hilal but the transfer cannot progress until Benzema’s contractual status is formally resolved.
- Parallel moves include Malcom nearing a move to Al‑Diriyah and club‑linked sources denying any formal approach for Victor Osimhen, while foreign‑player limits and the closing transfer window increase urgency for a swift settlement.